Prince Charles deserves this country's respect

THE Royal Family has rarely ridden higher in public esteem than it does at the moment and rightly so. As a country we are truly blessed to have Elizabeth II who has unfailingly put duty to her country before any personal consideration from the moment that she became head of state.

Published: 01:02, Mon, January 27, 2014

Prince Charles deserves respect for being ready to take on the Queen's duties when she retires [GETTY]

However it is increasingly clear that her son and heir is prepared to do exactly the same.

After what has been at times a turbulent life the Prince of Wales is finally getting the respect and popularity he deserves with a majority of the people of this country believing that he should take on his mother's duties when she retires.

And surely this is right. Of course Her Majesty will never formally retire while an abdication along the lines of the Dutch monarchy is inconceivable. But the Queen is now 87, an age at which she fully deserves to step back, albeit not entirely putting aside her Royal duties.

For the great state occasions only our extraordinary monarch will do.

But equally Prince Charles has also spent much of his life not only preparing for his future role but in the service of his country and it is time that is acknowledged.

We hope it will be many years before the coronation of Charles III - but in the meantime the Prince should have the recognition he deserves.